– 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe Review

Pure nostalgic beauty wrapped around completely modern power and performance

One of the most confidence-inspiring Big Twins, the Softail® Deluxe features an extremely low seat with “collapsing sides,” pull back handlebar and riser, and easy-reach, extended kickstand. The powerful, counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ and 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission are appreciated by many riders. Exquisite style details round out every other corner of this bike, from the clean front light bar, to the tombstone taillight, to the chrome grab rail and luggage rack, to the laced wheels and wide whitewall tires. The addition of the new Security Package option means riders have the choice of adding anti-lock brakes, giving even more functionality to all this form.

STRETCHED OLD-SCHOOL FENDERS

These vintage, full fenders do a lot more than keep the mud off your neck. They give your Deluxe its distinctive Softail lines and cruising profile. You get tasty chrome front and back fender tips, tapered chrome struts in back and a big canvas for custom paint. And plenty of room to personalize further with your own custom rails, skirts and tips.

OLD-SCHOOL ‘HARDTAIL’ LOOK

The Softail® Deluxe model keeps it classy while bringing some fat custom style of its own. Just check out the chopsticks up front—fat front fork behind the huge, 7-inch ball headlamp. The handlebars are thick stainless steel with chrome pullback risers for easy reaching. It’s old-school Softail style that’s still fat and formidable up front.

WHITEWALL TIRES

One of the defining styling features of the Softail® Deluxe model is the nostalgic wide whitewall tires with premium laced wheels. A nod to the ‘50s boulevard look, these fat rubber rollers are just the right throwback detail from Harley-Davidson that ups the ante in any scene. Total old-school styling without sacrificing handling or performance.

TOMBSTONE TAILLIGHT

A vintage classic. The chrome, low profile taillight housing lays back against the fender but shines with Harley-Davidson history. Flanked by our sleek silver bullet turn signals, that glowing red gravestone is the last thing they’ll see as you pull away into the night.

HIDDEN REAR SHOCKS

If you want a comfortable bike but love that rigid-suspension look, you’ve come to the right bike. We’ve kept all the modern comforts where they belong—below the surface of a rad, vintage-looking bike. You get the classic lines of a vintage ‘hardtail’ frame with the horizontal rear shocks hidden in the guts. It’s a signature rigid look, and you’ll only find it on a Softail® model.

LUGGAGE RACK

Exclusive to the Softail® Deluxe model and snaking directly off the back of the passenger pillion, the simple luggage rack is the perfect marriage of form and function. It’s minimal in design but extremely useful on the road; it holds your most precious small carry-alongs and adds another gleam of chrome for good measure.

PREMIUM PAINT

Up to two times thicker than the competition, custom quality paint comes standard on all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Clearcoat layering up to five mils deep. Bigger metal flakes. Unique effects. Skimping simply is not in our vocabulary.

HAND FINISHED FUEL TANK

All Harley-Davidson® fuel tanks are finished by hand—that’s what makes them stand out from the competition. Their seamless design and unmatched style are unique among all motorcycles on the road. The tanks are one of the first and last things people notice when they lay their eyes on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle—so we make it worth their time.

TANK-MOUNTED CONSOLE

A big, bold speedometer and odometer display, along with an ancillary display for gear and rpm, offer up the information you need on the fly.

SIX-SPEED CRUISE DRIVE®

You want a ride that rumbles—not begs for mercy—when you lean on it a little. The Six-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission provides smooth, quiet shifting and reduces engine speed on the highway, so you get a better match between engine turnover and road speed. It’s a rare ride when a bike responds like this, and a low growl goes a long way when you’re opening up the road ahead.

TWIN CAM 103™ ENGINE POWER

New for 2012: live your ride to the power of 103. The air cooled Twin Cam 103™ Harley Davidson® engine delivers more stump pulling torque, while its Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection jetting gives crisp, lively throttle reaction. It’s a performance punch that you’ll appreciate when passing, climbing hills, or rolling with luggage packed or a passenger in back—all under that signature Motor Company rumble. And it comes at lower cruising rpm, so you ride more smoothly, with less engine vibration and better highway fuel economy.

TWIN CAM 103™ ENGINE HERITAGE

The knowledge of what makes an engine truly move a rider runs deep at The Motor Company, and it was put to good use when we created the Twin Cam 103™; engine. We sweated bullets perfecting every cubic inch, pushing design and technology forward. And we did it all without compromising one bit of Harley-Davidson’s unique styling. Evolved, yet carrying on the legacy of the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution®, Twin Cam 88®; and Twin Cam 96™ engines that came before. The performance and durability are a direct result of the untold miles logged on the V-Twin since 1909, and the proud heritage that comes from a century’s worth of commitment to life on two wheels.

TWIN CAM 103™ ENGINE INNOVATION

Fire up the Twin Cam 103™ engine and feel the low-end torque unleashed. Thanks to the lightweight piston design, delivery of the added power is more refined than ever. Then put your foot on the shifter and feel how the engine and Six-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission were designed to work together. Six speeds. A strong driveline and strong internal parts. Low routine maintenance. And a low cruising rpm couldn’t feel better.

PURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON STYLING

Feast your eyes on the Twin Cam 103™ engine and there’s no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you won’t find from any other motorcycle company. Black powder-coated heads and cylinders are highlighted by machined cooling fin tips and chrome rocker covers. It’s a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power. From the classic edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the Twin Cam 103™ engine makes an ironclad statement about holding on to what’s right and staying true to what satisfies.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (OPTIONAL)

When it comes to the Softail® Deluxe model with optional ABS, ‘stopping power’ has a double meaning. The components of our ABS are tastefully hidden within the wheel hub, so you’ll still turn heads with clean, streamlined design. More importantly, though, you get certainty in the saddle knowing your bike’s going to behave when you need it. Offered as a part of the ‘Security Package’ (which includes the H-D® Smart Security System).

H-D® SMART SECURITY SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)

The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. Stick the fob on your ignition key ring and let it do all the work. It’s this attention to details and security that make Harley-Davidson® motorcycles unique. Offered as a part of the ‘Security Package’ (which includes Anti-Lock Brakes).

ARTFULLY HIDDEN TECHNOLOGY

Harley-Davidson leverages the latest in technology without compromising style and function. That means we hide electronics. The whole wiring harness is skillfully routed behind the jewels of the bike—the tank, engine and all the other eye-popping features you want to see. It’s just another way The Motor Company goes the extra mile to give its bikes that premium, top-of-the-line fit and finish.

INTUITIVE CONTROLS

Hand controls on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle are incredibly intuitive. The turn signals are self-canceling and, based on the speed and angle of the motorcycle, they know how long to stay on. Engaging the controls quickly becomes second nature so you can focus less on turning off your signal and more on basking in the freedom of the ride.

DUNLOP® TIRES

Whether you’re crossing state lines or staying within city limits, you want a confident feeling of sure contact with the road. The front end holds a premium touring tire with a three-ply polyester casing and two fiberglass belts. The back cruiser tire has an advanced tread pattern. Made from a specifically formulated compound, it delivers outstanding grip in wet or dry weather. And since they’re from Dunlop®, you know you’re wrapping your premium rollers in quality rubber.

TUNED TO BE RIDDEN

Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are different from any other bike out on the road. There’s a balance to them. The steering, the maneuverability—it’s all in concert. And each Harley-Davidson® model is tuned differently to create a unique riding experience for each individual no matter which bike they swing their leg over. Let’s face it, we didn’t get to where we are by being like everyone else.

EASY REACH HANDLEBAR

This bar practically begs you reach out and grab your freedom. A perfectly ergonomic place to start for new riders, and easy-rider comfort for road-hardened warriors. The chrome pullback riser gets that grip even closer and gives the front end a dynamic aerodynamic contour.

LOW SEAT WITH SLIMMED SIDES

Hit the boulevard in style with this classic Softail® two-up seat. At a lowdown 24.5 inches, it’s among the most slammed seats you’ll find. And we’ve added some ergos to make riding solo or duo even easier, especially for riders with a shorter inseam. ‘Collapsing’ sides create a narrow seat profile, and the passenger seat pillion is detachable. Just ditch it for stripped-back, solo riding. Or leave it on and bring your better half along for the ride.

FULL-LENGTH RIDER FOOTBOARDS

Your boots were made for riding, in any way you see fit. Our full-length footboards boast a tried and true design that’s stood the test of time. Plenty of foot positions for your taste and comfort. Rubber vibration isolation for a comfortable ride. And heel-toe shifting for confident shifting every time. It takes a few rides, but once you’ve gotten used to the smooth heel-toe rhythm, you’ll never give it up. The toes of your boots won’t take the same beating, either.

ENGINE IDLE TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Our motorcycles are built to be ridden. A lot. So that means that rider comfort is top of mind. Always. With the Engine Idle Temperature Management Strategy (EITMS) feature, the motorcycle automatically cuts fuel and fire from rear cylinder when idling, which helps reduce engine heat felt by rider and passenger. This feature can easily be turned on by your dealer.

SEAT ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

The seat is home for Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders. They want a seat that has unique style without sacrificing comfort. Because of that, Harley-Davidson invests a lot of time in researching, designing and testing seats so that every bike has just the right saddle.

1 Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication. Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (V-Rod® models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. 2 Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight. 3 Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2. 4 Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region. 5 Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region. 6 The combined fuel economy numbers were derived using a combination of estimated city and highway values. Fuel economy estimates are derived from US EPA exhaust emission certification data on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family under ideal laboratory conditions. Your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your personal riding habits, road and driving conditions, vehicle condition and maintenance, tire pressure, vehicle configuration (parts and accessories), and vehicle loading (cargo, rider and passenger weight). Break-in mileage may vary. 7 North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren. 8 See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details. 9 Inspections of certain systems and components are required at 2500 mile (4000 km) intervals. See Owner’s Manual for full details.

MILWAUKEE (July 20, 2011) – Harley-Davidson offers more Big Twin performance for 2012 as its Twin Cam 103™ powertrain is standard equipment on Softail® and Touring motorcycle models and most Dyna® motorcycle models. Harley-Davidson will offer two new models for 2012. The V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates a decade of power-cruiser performance, while the new Dyna® Switchback is a convertible custom-touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and windshield. In addition, the Night Rod Special has significant updates for 2012 with refreshed bodywork and optimized rider ergonomics. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)TM rolls out the gleaming new CVO Road Glide® Custom, a limited-production, high-performance touring masterpiece.

Harley-Davidson believes every motorcycle it sells can be a custom of one. Harley-Davidson H-D1™ is a comprehensive offering of customization tools for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. H-D1 tools include Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories listings in print and on-line catalogs, Fit Shop and consultation services at Harley-Davidson dealerships, and factory customization and Bike Builder tools on www.harley-davidson.com. H-D1 offers almost unlimited opportunities to optimize fit, function, style and performance and turn a Harley into a motorcycle that is truly personalized to its owner.

Harley- Davidson heads into 2012 with 32 models, each born of experience that spans generations and a passion for riding that will never diminish.

Highlights of the 2012 Harley-Davidson line include:

The Twin Cam 103™ engine powers all 2012 Dyna®, Softail® and Touring models with the exception of the Dyna Street Bob® and Dyna Super Glide® Custom. This engine produces up to 100 ft lbs. peak torque, an increase of approximately 6 percent over the Twin Cam 96 engine it replaces as standard power for many of these models. The Twin Cam 103 is equipped with automatic compression release. It features identifying badges on the derby cover, timer cover and air cleaner trim ring.

A Security Package that pairs Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob is available for all 2012 V-Rod®, Dyna®, Softail®, Touring and CVO™ models. The Security Package is standard equipment on CVO™ models and on the Road Glide® Ultra, the Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, and the Road King® Classic. The Security Package is a factory-installed option for all other models.

The Night Rod® Special is updated with new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels, an inverted front fork and improved ergonomics. Harley-Davidson celebrates a decade of power cruising with the V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition motorcycle, finished in Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork that evokes the anodized aluminum bodywork of the original V-Rod model that introduced the liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine in 2002. All V-Rod models will carry V-Rod 10th Anniversary badges.

The new Dyna Switchback combines hard saddlebags and a windshield with the eager handling and Twin Cam 103 performance of the Dyna chassis. It’s a custom-touring bike ready for a long weekend trip, until the detachable bags and windshield are removed. Then in seconds the Switchback becomes a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. This convertible concept makes the versatile Switchback two motorcycles in one.

All Harley-Davidson Softail models get the performance boost of the Twin Cam 103 engine for 2012. The Fat Boy and Fat Boy Lo have a new reduced-reach handlebar for more-comfortable ergonomics. A lower, narrower seat shape places the Fat Boy rider in a new “in the bike” position. The Softail Deluxe and Heritage Softail Classic will be available with a new optional “tubeless” Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair.

The Twin Cam 103 powertrain gives all Harley-Davidson Touring models assertive power for passing. On Touring models, the Twin Cam 103 is equipped with an oil cooler. All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new “tubeless” Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster® line appeals to a broad range of riders with six 2012 models ranging from the race-inspired XR1200X™ to the accessible SuperLow® to Dark Custom roadsters like the Iron 883™, Nightster® and Forty-Eight®. The Sportster® 1200 Custom can be personalized for fit, function and style with H-D1 factory customization, a process that allows customers to use the Bike Builder tool on harley-davidson.com to build the motorcycle from a selection of options that are installed as the bike is assembled by Harley-Davidson Motor Company or are installed by a dealer after the motorcycle is delivered. New 1200 Custom color options have been added to Bike Builder for 2012.

The new CVO Road Glide Custom is one of four limited-production 2012 models from Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)TM, each turned out with bold paint, gleaming chrome, and the most-powerful V-Twin engines offered in production Harley-Davidson motorcycles. CVO Road Glide Custom is a hot-rod bagger with a frame-mounted fairing topped with a smoked Wind Splitter windshield, a high-output, amplified Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio system, and a color-matched, low-profile fuel tank console.